What's the hardest use folder in the 200-300 dollar range?

ZT 0300 series.

I specifically got one to be as close to a fixed as I could find.

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Agreed. ZT knives are really tough. The 300-series is toughest of them all. Strider might be another tough folder maker.
 
singularity35 said:
yes, but ones with premium steels would seem to be better because of edge holding. the 300s seem to edge, pun intended, the CS out.
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Well if your meaning hard use, if your doing some prying tasks or heavy batoning stuff, a tougher steel like AUS8 would actually be better than a hard S30V steel. Not that S30V is not tough, especially if heat treated correctly Strider style. But if your cutting carpet and a lot of card board then yeah, S30V will be better.
 
I think you can save yourself a lot of money and go with a ZT 0200.

They are big and tough.

You did not mention size limitations - this one is around 8 ounces.

You also did not mention blade preferences - this one is a recurve and comes in 154CM.

I have a ZT 0301 - and I like my ZT 0200 better.
 
There's hard use from a lock standpoint and hard use from a blade steel standpoint. You'd want a strong lock but also a tough steel like 3V or M4. I find Spyderco's M4 very resistant to both rolling and chipping, and hard use requires edge retention as well, does it not?
 
Singularity35 -

Maybe you should post what you plan on using the knife for?

It may help focus some of the suggestions, including mine.

154CM, D2 and S30V handle everything that I throw at a knife, but I'll admit that the toughest thing I use my knives for is cutting cardboard, carpet and plastic draintile. The big difference between the steels is how long they hold the edge.

If you are going to pry open ammo crates, cut your way out of car trunks, or survive solo on a deserted island for a period of time it may make a world of difference what steel you have.:D:D
 
Toyz said:
I think you can save yourself a lot of money and go with a ZT 0200.

They are big and tough.

You did not mention size limitations - this one is around 8 ounces.

You also did not mention blade preferences - this one is a recurve and comes in 154CM.

I have a ZT 0301 - and I like my ZT 0200 better.
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I agree Kershaw makes good stuff. That is why you would be better off just buying a Kershaw with the Kershaw name on it to save you some money.
 
if you wait for a good opportunity you can get an SnG for ~300. or you could get a PT if you can deal with having a tiny knife.

IMO out of all the "tough" knives out there Strider does the best job keeping the weight reasonable. Also the blade shape/grind, lock and handle shape make it ideal for hard use.

Emerson does a good job as well but the HD series are hard to find and pricey, especially direct from maker but their liner locks are tough as hell and the grinds are definitely meant for tough work.
 
Seriously? Well, my opinion is that any of the solid aluminum block CNC machined Triad Lock models from Cold Steel would suffice for truly ridiculous performance levels for abuse taking. The Espada, one of the now discontinued aluminum models of the Rajah maybe which is on a close out price as I recall. I think the Black Rhino is also and these are all quite stout and priced well.

I love my American Lawman folders and feel they are another one that is right up there with the best for hard use folders and for that matter any of the models built like it from the new Triad equipped Recon to the AK47 models would likely be just as stout and reliable.

I seriously doubt for twice the money that any of the other knives you could pick from would take the same abuse as these folders would and still work but there are of course many that would still take some levels of abuse.

A good well done frame lock like any of the Strider models from the AR to the PT would suffice well and for that matter a CQC12 from Emerson or an HD7 maybe if you can find one can manage just fine. I'd say the ZT 300 series would be another to consider if frame locks are your cup of tea.

If the Axis lock strikes your fancy look at the HK14205 models. Quite nice!

STR
 
This topic comes up every other day. On top of the suggestions already given I think a search would give you a lot of good results. I have heard good things about the Manix 2 and they have one in that new super steel xhp. BTW you can search without being a member.
 
Blackhawk MOD CQD Mark 2 (154CM steel/6061-T6 aluminum alloy handle) ?

Mine survived a couple of drops from around a meter high, took a small dinge on the handle from a hard drop on a sidewalk.

Can't speak for the newer ones in 440C stainless though.
 
Toyz said:
Singularity35 -

Maybe you should post what you plan on using the knife for?

It may help focus some of the suggestions, including mine.

154CM, D2 and S30V handle everything that I throw at a knife, but I'll admit that the toughest thing I use my knives for is cutting cardboard, carpet and plastic draintile. The big difference between the steels is how long they hold the edge.

If you are going to pry open ammo crates, cut your way out of car trunks, or survive solo on a deserted island for a period of time it may make a world of difference what steel you have.:D:D
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I've already posted this on another brand specific forum but I wanted to look at other brands here.

My list of hard use tasks.

1. digging at the roots of a mango tree to look for root rot.
2. cutting off the part with rot.
3. trimming up to 1 inch diameter branches.
4. cutting up sacks of fertilizer.
5. preparing firewood from bamboo(some batoning required)
6. cutting and shaping bamboo sticks for small household repair tasks.(batoning needed to split bamboo stems).
7. probably more that I can't yet foresee.


I work at our farm. Sometimes when the proper tools are not at hand I used my fixed blade schrade old timer. Now that I'm interested in folders I thought maybe I'd try them out. although maybe the price range I stated is a bit high since this is going to be an experiment.
 
You should stick with your fixed knife dude.

A folder will work for the above stated tasks, but to choose a tool like this to rely on for said duties is going to impact the life of a folding knife significantly.

I am a big fan of the Triad lock from CS as well. Very solid.
 
GrinderMcgee said:
You should stick with your fixed knife dude.

A folder will work for the above stated tasks, but to choose a tool like this to rely on for said duties is going to impact the life of a folding knife significantly.

I am a big fan of the Triad lock from CS as well. Very solid.
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As stated, this is going to be an experiment. I want to find out a folder that I can absolutely trust for backup SD but since i can't very well do what those CS videos do, I think that any folder that can take that abuse will suffice. BTW, when CS makes folders from better steel, maybe I will buy another of their products(I have a recon 1).
 
Try a Spyderco Chinook 3.
Or the ZT300 or ZT200.
If you can get a used SmF for your price range, they can take a bunch of abuse too(but hard to find at that price point).
Personally, I'd like to see the results of abusing the Chinook 3. It's billed as tough enough for SD or outdoors tasks, and it's usually easy to find for around $150.
 
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